Adam Smith’s Daughters

Eight Prominent Women Economists from the Eighteenth Century to the Present

The late Bette Polkinghorn, formerly Professor of Economics, California State University, Sacramento, US and the late Dorothy Lampen Thomson, formerly Professor Emeritus, City University of New York, US

This new and expanded edition of a classic work draws our attention to the often neglected role women have played in the development of economics. The work and intellectual history of eight prominent women economists of the eighteenth to twentieth centuries are studied to reveal how they strove to become successful contributors to economic science.

‘Polkinghorn and Thomson’s book leaves one with a clear sense of diversity in the history of female economic thought. . . . a useful introduction to the subject of female contributions to economics and a statement about the importance of this research topic. . .’
– Kirsten K. Madden, Journal of the History of Economic Thought

‘This book makes a thoughtful and lively attempt to bring into view the contributions of eight diverse women economists . . . Adam Smith’s Daughters is recommended for those interested in the history of economic ideas, economics, methodology and economics education. Not only does it fill a gap about the contributions of women economists but it tells a story about the historical context in which economic ideas and theories emerge. It provides interesting examples of methodological debates and it broadens the standard presentations of economics education . . . A list of publications is provided on each economist which is useful . . . the book is interesting and an accessible read which will provide stimulating and contextualized material for students and teachers.’
– Rhonda Sharp, Economic Record

‘Polkinghorn and Lampen Thomson have succeeded well. Side by side with the biographical information provided, the reader of this volume has been offered a course in basic economic theories of the last two hundred years that is both readable and interesting. Numerous quotations enliven the text and present us with examples of the authors’ styles. There is an excellent index. If I had had this book at the commencement of my own studies, I would certainly have paid more attention to both economic history and economics!’
– Tarja Räisänen, Scandinavian Economic History Review